metamorphic

Iron-stained quartz-rich rock, possibly jasper or altered quartzite

Uncertain; likely microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides/hydroxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7; ochre-yellow to brown with gray, glassy-to-waxy areas and irregular massive texture. Likely no visible cleavage, conchoidal-to-uneven fracture, and moderate-to-high specific gravity from iron staining; the image is insufficient for a definitive identification.

Identified September 6, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained quartz-rich rock, possibly jasper or altered quartzite
Scientific name: Uncertain; likely microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides/hydroxides
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a common rough specimen; $20–$75 if unusually patterned, polished, or demonstrably high-quality.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich material may have formed as chert/jasper or quartzite, later fractured and stained by groundwater carrying hematite and limonite. Exact age and formation environment cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Potentially suitable as a lapidary or display specimen if it takes a polish; iron-rich jasper is also used for cabochons, beads, and decorative stone. It has little construction value as an individual piece.

Geological facts

Yellow-brown coloration commonly reflects limonite/goethite coatings or replacement, while gray translucent zones may be quartz. A streak, hardness, acid, and specific-gravity test would substantially improve identification.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in weathered quartz veins, chert beds, iron-rich soils, and metamorphic terrains worldwide. Test whether it scratches glass, leaves a yellow-brown streak, and reacts to dilute hydrochloric acid; avoid assuming it is gold-bearing from its color.